The European Commission proposed counter-tariffs of 25% on a range of U.S. goods on Monday in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium, a document seen by Reuters showed.
The tariffs on some goods will take effect May 16, while others will be implemented later in the year on December 1, according to the document.
The goods affected are wide-ranging and include items such as diamonds, eggs, dental floss, sausages, and poultry. The counter-tariffs on almonds and soybeans will take effect on December 1.
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said earlier on Monday that the counter-tariffs would have less impact than the previously announced 26 billion euros ($28.45 billion) in U.S. tariffs.
Bourbon, wine, and dairy products have been removed from the original list that the Commission was considering in March. The Commission had initially planned a 50% tariff on bourbon, which prompted Trump to threaten a 200% counter-tariff on EU alcoholic drinks if the bloc proceeded with the measure.
Trump’s threat caused particular concern in France and Italy, given their significant wine industries.
In addition to these counter-tariffs, the EU already implemented tighter safeguards on steel imports as of April 1, reducing imports by 15%. The Commission is also looking into the possibility of introducing import quotas for aluminium.
EU member states are set to vote on this proposal on April 9.
